The Lichen Genus Biatora in Northwestern North America

A taxonomic study of the genus Biatora in northwestern North America yielded 15 taxa of Biatora. Descriptions, notes on ecology and distribution, as well as a key to the species are presented. Biatora alaskana Printzen & Tønsberg, sp. nov.; B. hypophaea Printzen & Tønsberg, sp. nov.; B. nobilis Printzen & Tønsberg, sp. nov.; and Lecidea meiocarpa var. tacomensis Printzen & Tønsberg, var. nov. are described as new to science. Biatora fallax Hepp, B. rufidula (Graewe) S. Ekman & Printzen, B. toensbergii Holien & Printzen, and Lecidea betulicola f. endamylea (Hedl.) Hinteregger are new to North America, and Catillaria erysiboides (Nyl.) Th. Fr. is reported for the first time in this century. The occurrence of B. helvola is regarded as doubtful. Species which can easily be misidentified for Biatora are included in the key and briefly treated in an appendix. Biatora hypophaea and Lecidea meiocarpa var. tacomensis are also reported from western Norway. As the genus is still undercollected the actual number of species in the area is probably higher.